U.S. patent number 11,454,474 [Application Number 17/157,731] was granted by the patent office on 2022-09-27 for optical sight mounting system.
The grantee listed for this patent is Trent Zimmer. Invention is credited to Trent Zimmer.
United States Patent |
11,454,474 |
Zimmer |
September 27, 2022 |
Optical sight mounting system
Abstract
Implementations of an optical sight mounting system are
provided. An example optical sight mounting system comprises an
optical sight having a base that can be secured to a pistol slide
having an adapter interface. The base of the optical sight is
configured so that it can be rotated into position within the
adapter interface. In this way, the optical sight can be mounted on
a pistol and used to aim. Another example optical sight mounting
system comprises an optical sight having a base that can be secured
to an adapter interface of an optical sight mount. The base of the
optical sight is configured so that it can be rotated into position
within the adapter interface. The optical sight mount is configured
to releasable engage a mounting interface of a firearm (e.g., a
MIL-STD-1913 rail). In this way, the optical sight can be
positioned on a firearm (e.g., a rifle) and used to aim.
Inventors: |
Zimmer; Trent (Houma, LA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zimmer; Trent |
Houma |
LA |
US |
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Family
ID: |
1000006586654 |
Appl.
No.: |
17/157,731 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2021 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20210199409 A1 |
Jul 1, 2021 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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16441463 |
Jun 14, 2019 |
10948267 |
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16280087 |
Sep 22, 2020 |
10782099 |
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62632458 |
Feb 20, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G
11/003 (20130101); F41G 11/002 (20130101); F41G
1/17 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F41G
11/00 (20060101); F41G 1/17 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;42/113,111,118,131
;29/428 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Mr. Grouchy (John), mini-RDS going mainstream with the FNP 45
Tactical [online], [dated Oct. 28, 2010], [retrieved in Jun. 10,
2016], Retrieved from the internet: <URL:
http://www.mrgrouchy.com/2010/10/28/mini-rds-going-mainstream-with-the-fn-
p-45-tactical/>. cited by applicant .
Jeff Compoc, FNH USA's FNP-45 Tactical [online], [dated Aug. 8,
2010], [retrieved on Jun. 10, 2016], Retrieved from the internet:
<URL: http://gunblog.com/fnh-tactical-45>. cited by applicant
.
FNP-45 Tactical [online], [dated Jan. 18, 2010], [retrieved on Jun.
10, 2016], Retrieved from the internet: <URL:
http://soldiersystems.net/tag/fnh-USA/page/3/>. cited by
applicant .
David Crane, FN FNX-45 Tactical .45 ACP Polymer-Framed
Combat/Tactical Pistol with Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature
Reflex) RM02 Mini-Red Dot Optical Sight and Extended Threaded
Barrel for Silencer/Sound Suppresor [online], [dated Jul. 22,
2013], [retrieved on Jun. 10, 2016], Retrieved from the internet:
<URL:
http://www.defensereview.com/fn-fnx-45-tactical-45-acp-polymer-framed-com-
battactical-pistol-with-trijicon-rmr-ruggedized-miniature-reflex-rm02-mini-
-red-dot-optical-sight/>. cited by applicant .
Black FNP 45 Tactical [online], [dated Sep. 24, 2010], Retrieved
from the internet: <URL:
http://www.handgunsmag.com/uncategorized/hg_lipsey_080210wo/>.
cited by applicant .
Armymedicdad, New FNH Handguns for 2010 [online], [dated Nov. 22,
2009], [retrieved on Jun. 10, 2016], Retrieved from the internet:
<URL:
https://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=5&f=53&t=86055>.
cited by applicant .
Goteron, Red Dot Sights for Handguns--p. 12 [online], Lightfighter
Tactical Forum, [dated Jan. 31, 2012 & Feb. 1, 2012],
[retrieved on Nov. 28, 2016], Retrieved from the internet: <URL:
http://www.lightfighter.net/topic/red-dot-sights-or-handguns?page=12>.
cited by applicant .
Goteron, Red Dot Sights for Handguns--p. 13 [online], Lightfighter
Tactical Forum, [dated Feb. 1, 2012 & Feb. 2, 2012], [retrieved
on Nov. 28, 2016], Retrieved from the internet: <URL:
http://www.lightfighter.net/topic/red-dot-sights-for-andguns?page=13>.
cited by applicant .
Goteron, Red Dot Sights for Handguns--p. 14 [online], Lightfighter
Tactical Forum, [dated Feb. 5, 2012 & Feb. 7, 2012], [retrieved
on Nov. 28, 2016], Retrieved from the internet: <URL:
http://www.lightfighter.net/topic/red-dot-sights-for-handguns?page=14>-
. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: David; Michael D
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Asgaard Patent Services, LLC
Thompson, Jr.; F. Wayne
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation application claiming the benefit of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16,441,463, filed on Jun. 14, 2019, a
continuation-in-part application claiming the benefit of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/280,087, filed on Feb. 20, 2019,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
62/632,458, which was filed on Feb. 20, 2018, the entireties of all
three applications are incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. An optical sight mounting system for a pistol, the optical sight
mounting system comprising: a pistol slide, the pistol slide
includes an adapter interface, the adapter interface comprises a
bottom surface that extends between a first end wall and a second
end wall; and an optical sight, the optical sight includes a base
that can be secured to the adapter interface of the pistol slide;
wherein the base of the optical sight is configured so that it can
be rotated into position within the adapter interface of the pistol
slide.
2. The optical sight mounting system of claim 1, wherein each end
of the base of the optical sight is curved; the first end wall and
the second end wall of the adapter interface are configured so that
the base of the optical sight can be rotated into position within
the adapter interface.
3. The optical sight mounting system of claim 1, wherein the bottom
surface of the adapter interface is recessed below the top surface
of the pistol slide.
4. The optical sight mounting system of claim 1, wherein one end of
the base of the optical sight includes an indexing spring that is
nested in a groove, the indexing spring is configured to press
against the first end wall or the second end wall of the adapter
interface and thereby secure the optical sight against
unintentional rotation while it is positioned within the adapter
interface.
5. The optical sight mounting system of claim 1, further comprising
a slide cover plate, the slide cover plate is configured to
interface with a first end of the base of the optical sight and
thereby prevent the optical sight from rotating while positioned
within the adapter interface.
6. The optical sight mounting system of claim 5, wherein the first
end wall of the adapter interface includes a slot that extends
therethrough; a lip of the slide cover plate extends into the slot
and interfaces with the first end of the base of the optical
sight.
7. The optical sight mounting system of claim 1, further comprising
a set screw, the set screw can be used to further secure the base
of the optical sight in position within the adapter interface.
8. The optical sight mounting system of claim 7, wherein a top side
of the pistol slide includes a divot configured to receive a
portion of the set screw therein; the base of the optical sight
includes a threaded opening that extends therethrough, the threaded
opening aligns with the divot on the pistol slide while the base of
the optical sight is positioned within the adapter interface; the
set screw is positioned within the threaded opening of the base of
the optical sight so that an end thereof is positioned within the
detent of the pistol slide.
9. An optical sight mounting system for a pistol, the optical sight
mounting system comprising: a pistol slide, the pistol slide
includes an adapter interface, the adapter interface comprises a
bottom surface that extends between a first end wall and a second
end wall; and an optical sight, the optical sight includes a base
configured so that it can be rotated into position between the
first end wall and the second end wall of the adapter
interface.
10. An optical sight mounting system for a firearm, the optical
sight mounting system comprising: an optical sight mount, the
optical sight mount comprises a base and an adapter interface, the
base of the optical sight mount is configured to releasably engage
a mounting interface of a firearm, the adapter interface comprises
a bottom surface that extends between a first end wall and a second
end wall; and an optical sight, the optical sight includes a base
that can be secured to the adapter interface of the optical sight
mount; wherein the base of the optical sight is configured so that
it can be rotated into position within the adapter interface of the
optical sight mount.
11. The optical sight mounting system of claim 9, wherein each end
of the base of the optical sight is curved; the first end wall and
the second end wall of the adapter interface are configured so that
the base of the optical sight can be rotated into position within
the adapter interface.
12. The optical sight mounting system of claim 9, further
comprising a slide cover plate, the slide cover plate is configured
to interface with a first end of the base of the optical sight and
thereby prevent the optical sight from rotating while positioned
within the adapter interface.
13. The optical sight mounting system of claim 12, wherein the
first end wall of the adapter interface includes a slot that
extends therethrough; wherein a lip of the slide cover plate
extends into the slot and interfaces with the first end of the base
of the optical sight.
14. The optical sight mounting system of claim 9, further
comprising a set screw, the set screw can be used to further secure
the base of the optical sight in position within the adapter
interface.
15. The optical sight mounting system of claim 14, wherein a top
side of the pistol slide includes a divot configured to receive a
portion of the set screw therein; the base of the optical sight
includes a threaded opening that extends therethrough, the threaded
opening aligns with the divot on the pistol slide while the base of
the optical sight is positioned within the adapter interface; the
set screw is positioned within the threaded opening of the base of
the optical sight so that an end thereof is positioned within the
detent of the pistol slide.
16. The optical sight mounting system of claim 10, wherein each end
of the base of the optical sight is curved; the first end wall and
the second end wall of the adapter interface are configured so that
the base of the optical sight can be rotated into position within
the adapter interface.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates to implementations of an optical sight
mounting system. In particular, the present disclosure is directed
to an optical sight that includes a base configured to be removably
secured to an adapter interface of a pistol slide and, in some
implementations, an optical sight mount.
BACKGROUND
The vast majority of pistols come from the factory with iron
sights. Typical iron sights provided on a pistol include a front
post and a rear notch which must be aligned to aim the pistol.
Mounting an optical sight on a pistol offers a shooter several
advantages over using iron sights alone. Optical sights provide a
simplified sight picture comprised of a single illuminated aiming
point in place of the front post and rear notch of iron sights. In
this way, a shooter's accuracy and/or speed with a pistol may
improve. Further, a shooter may be able to aim with the illuminated
aiming point of an optical sight in environmental conditions that
would make visual alignment of the iron sights difficult or
impossible, low light conditions for example.
However, given the design of most pistols, attaching an optical
sight may be difficult to do. In order to accommodate an optical
sight, the slide of the pistol may need to be permanently modified
in order to mount an optical sight thereon, milled for example. If
the user decides to switch to a new optical sight, further
modifications to the pistol may be required. In some instances, the
pistol may not be suitable for further modification.
Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for the optical sight
mounting system disclosed herein. It is to the provision of an
optical sight mounting system that is configured to address these
needs, and others, that the present invention in primarily
directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Implementations of an optical sight mounting system are provided.
An example optical sight mounting system comprises a pistol slide
and an optical sight. The pistol slide includes an adapter
interface comprising a bottom surface extending between a first end
wall and a second end wall. The optical sight includes a base that
can be secured to the adapter interface of the pistol slide. The
base of the optical sight is configured so that it can be rotated
into position within the adapter interface of the pistol slide.
In some implementations, a pistol slide may be manufactured with an
adapter interface configured in accordance with the present
disclosure. In some implementations, a pistol slide may be
machined, or otherwise modified, to have an adapter interface
configured in accordance with the present disclosure.
An example optical sight may have an aiming point illuminated by
electricity, tritium, a light emitting chemical reaction, or a
combination thereof. A key feature of the optical sight is the
integral base configured to be received by an appropriately
configured adapter interface. Therefore, in some implementations,
the optical sight can be similar to an Aimpoint.RTM. Micro optical
sight, a DOCTER.RTM. red dot sight, a Leupold.RTM. Deltapoint, a
Trijicon RMR.RTM., or other optical sight of similar size that is
currently known or developed in the future, that includes an
integral base configured to interface with the adapter interface of
an optical sight mounting system.
Another example optical sight mounting system comprises an optical
sight mount and an optical sight. The optical sight mount comprises
a base configured to releasably engage a mounting interface of a
firearm, and an adapter interface comprising a bottom surface
extending between a first end wall and a second end wall. The
optical sight includes a base that can be secured to the adapter
interface of the optical sight mount. The base of the optical sight
is configured so that it can be rotated into position within the
adapter interface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an example adapter plate system for mounting
optical sights on a pistol according to the principles of the
present disclosure.
FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the adapter plate system shown in
FIG. 1D, wherein the adapter plate (with an optical sight mounted
thereon) is positioned within the adapter interface of the pistol
slide.
FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the adapter plate
system taken along line A-A of FIG. 2A.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example adapter plate according to
the principles of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another example adapter plate system for
mounting optical sights on a pistol according to the principles of
the present disclosure.
FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate yet another example adapter plate system for
mounting optical sights on a pistol according to the principles of
the present disclosure.
FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate still yet another example adapter plate
system for mounting optical sights on a pistol according to the
principles of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of the adapter plate system shown in
FIG. 6D, wherein the adapter plate (with an optical sight mounted
thereon) is positioned within the adapter interface of the pistol
slide.
FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the adapter plate
system taken along line A-A of FIG. 7A.
FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another example adapter plate according
to the principles of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate an example optical sight mounting system
according to the principles of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate another example optical sight mounting
system according to the principles of the present disclosure.
Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an example implementation of an adapter
plate system 100 for mounting optical sights on a pistol according
to the principles of the present disclosure. Through the use of
interchangeable adapter plates configured to receive optical sights
thereon, a user may change the optical sight mounted on a pistol
slide by changing the adapter plate secured to the adapter
interface of the pistol slide. In this way, further modification to
the pistol slide is not required to accommodate a variety of
optical sights.
As shown in FIG. 1A, in some implementations, the adapter plate
system 100 may comprise an adapter plate 110, a pistol slide (e.g.,
pistol slide 105) having an adapter interface 120 configured to
receive the adapter plate 110, and a slide cover plate 140
configured to prevent the adapter plate 110 from rotating. In some
implementations, an adapter plate 110 may be configured so that an
optical sight (e.g., optical sight 107) can be mounted thereon.
In some implementations, a pistol slide 105 may be manufactured
with an adapter interface 120 configured in accordance with the
present disclosure. In some implementations, a pistol slide 105 may
be machined, or otherwise modified, to have an adapter interface
120 configured in accordance with the present disclosure.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2B, in some implementations, the adapter
interface 120 may comprise a bottom surface 124 having a pivot boss
126 and a rotation stop 128 extending therefrom, the bottom surface
124 extends between a first end wall 121a and a second end wall
121b (collectively end walls 121).
As shown in FIG. 2B, in some implementations, the bottom surface
124 of the adapter interface 120 is recessed below the top surface
of the pistol slide 105. In this way, an optical sight (e.g.,
optical sight 107) attached to an adapter plate 110 sits lower on
the pistol slide 105 than would an optical sight mounted on the top
surface of the pistol slide 105. In some implementations, the depth
of the bottom surface 124 of the adapter interface 120 may be
limited by the amount of material that can be removed and/or
omitted without compromising the structural integrity of the pistol
slide.
As shown in FIG. 1A, in some implementations, the pivot boss 126
may be a cylindrical structure extending up from the bottom surface
124 of the adapter interface 120. In some implementations, the
pivot boss 122 may be a tapered structure extending up from the
bottom surface 124 of the adapter interface 120 (not shown). In
some implementations, the pivot boss 126 is positioned on the
bottom surface 124 of the adapter interface 120 so that it can be
received within a pivot bore 112 in the underside of the adapter
plate 110 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2B and 3B). In some implementations,
the pivot boss 126 may be positioned in the center of the bottom
surface 124 of the adapter interface 120 (see, e.g., FIG. 1A). In
some implementations, the pivot boss 126 may be positioned at any
point on the bottom surface 124 of the adapter interface 120,
provided that the pivot bore 112 of the adapter plate 110 is able
to receive the pivot boss 126 therein and the adapter plate 110 can
be rotated into position within the adapter interface 120. In some
implementations, the pivot boss 126 may be configured to prevent an
adapter plate 110 from sliding back and forth within the adapter
interface 120 due to the incidental vibrations associated with the
discharge of a pistol.
As shown in FIG. 1A, in some implementations, the rotation stop 128
may be a cylindrical structure extending up from the bottom surface
124 of the adapter interface 120. In some implementations, the
rotation stop 128 is positioned on the bottom surface 124 of the
adapter interface 120 so that it can be received within a curved
guide channel 114 located in the underside of the adapter plate 110
(see, e.g., FIGS. 2B and 3B). In some implementations, the rotation
stop 128 may be positioned at any point on the bottom surface 124
of the adapter interface 120, provided that the guide channel 114
of the adapter plate 110 is able to receive the rotation stop 128
therein and the position of the rotation stop 128 does not prevent
the adapter plate 110 from being rotated into position within the
adapter interface 120. In some implementations, the rotation stop
128 may be any structure suitably shaped for being operably
received within the curved guide channel 117 in the underside of
the adapter plate 110.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some implementations, the adapter
interface 120 of the pistol slide 105 may be configured to receive
an adapter plate 110 therein. In some implementations, the end
walls 121a, 121b of the adapter interface 120 may be configured to
interface with the curved ends 111a, 111b of the adapter plate 110.
In some implementations, each end wall 121a, 121b of the adapter
interface 120 may be curved along its length and thereby configured
so that the adapter plate 110 can be rotated into position within
the adapter interface 120 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1B-1C). In some
implementations, at least a portion of the first end wall 121a
and/or the second end wall 121b of the adapter interface 120 may
extend from the bottom surface 124 at an angle (see, e.g., FIG.
2B). In some implementations, each end wall 121a, 121b of the
adapter interface 120 may be configured to form the female portion
of a joint and each end 111a, 111b of the adapter plate 110 may be
configured to form the male portion of a joint (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A
and 2B). In this way, a secure connection may be achieved when the
adapter plate 110 is rotated into position within the adapter
interface 120.
Although not shown, in some implementations, the first end wall
121a and the second end wall 121b of the adapter interface 120 may
each be a groove configured to receive therein the first end 111a
and the second end 111b, respectively, of the adapter plate 110. In
some implementations, the adapter interface 120 may be any shape
suitable for receiving an adapter plate 110 therein.
As shown in FIG. 1A, in some implementations, the first end wall
121a of the adapter interface 120 may include a slot 122 that
extends therethrough. In this way, when the slide cover plate 140
is installed on the pistol slide 105, a portion of the slide cover
plate 140 extends into the slot 122 and interfaces with the first
end 121a of the adapter plate 110 (see, e.g., FIG. 2B). In some
implementations, the slot 122 of the first end wall 121a may be any
suitable shape.
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in some implementations, the adapter
plate 110 may be configured so that it can be rotated into position
between the curved end walls 121 of the adapter interface 120. In
some implementations, the adapter plate 110 may comprise a top side
(see, e.g., FIG. 3A) onto which an optical sight 107 can be mounted
and an underside configured to interface with the pivot boss 126
and the rotation stop 128 of the adapter interface 120 (see, e.g.,
FIG. 3B).
As shown in FIG. 3A, in some implementations, the adapter plate 110
may have the general shape of a rectangle. In some implementations,
the top side of the adapter plate 110 includes a mounting surface
116 configured to receive an optical sight 107 thereon. In some
implementations, the mounting surface 116 of the adapter plate 110
may be any shape suitable for mounting an optical sight thereon. In
some implementations, the adapter plate 110 may include one or more
openings 118 therein (see, e.g. FIGS. 3A and 3B). In this way,
fasteners (e.g., screws) may be used to secure an optical sight 107
onto the mounting surface 116 of the adapter plate 110. In some
implementations, an optical sight may have an aiming point
illuminated by electricity, tritium, a light emitting chemical
reaction, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the
optical sight may be an Aimpoint.RTM. Micro optical sight, a
DOCTER.RTM. red dot sight, a Leupold.RTM. Deltapoint, a Trijicon
RMR.RTM., or other optical sight having a similar foot print that
is currently known or developed in the future.
In some implementations, the top side of the adapter plate 110 may
include a recoil lug thereon. In this way, an attached optical
sight may be prevented from sliding back and forth due to the
incidental vibrations associated with the discharge of a
pistol.
As shown in FIG. 3B, in some implementations, the pivot bore 112
may be a cylindrical shaped opening in the underside of the adapter
plate 110. In some implementations, the pivot bore 112 may be any
shape suitable for receiving therein, and rotating about, the pivot
boss 126. In some implementations, the pivot bore 112 is positioned
on the underside of the adapter plate 112 so that it can receive,
and pivot on, the pivot boss 126 of the adapter interface 120 (see,
e.g., FIG. 2B). In some implementations, the pivot bore 112 may be
positioned in, or near, the center of the underside of the adapter
plate 110 (see, e.g., FIG. 3B). In some implementations, the pivot
bore 112 may be positioned at any point on the underside of the
adapter plate 110, provided that the pivot bore 112 of the adapter
plate 110 is able to receive the pivot boss 126 therein and the
adapter plate 110 can be rotated into position within the adapter
interface 120.
As shown in FIG. 3B, in some implementations, the curved guide
channel 114 of the adapter plate 110 may be any shape suitable for
receiving the rotation stop 128 of the adapter interface 120
therein. In some implementations, the curved guide channel 114 may
be configured to limit the rotation of the adapter plate 110 when
it is being rotated into position within the adapter interface 120
of a pistol slide 105. In some implementations, the curved guide
channel 114 is positioned on the underside of the adapter plate 110
so that the rotation stop 128 is positioned therein during assembly
of the adapter plate system 100. In this way, rotation of the
adapter plate 110 is limited by the length of the curved guide
channel 114.
As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B, in some implementation the first end
111a of the adapter plate 110 may be configured to interface with
the portion of the slide cover plate 140 that extends into the slot
122 of the first end wall 121a of the adapter interface 120. In
this way, the slide cover plate 140 may be used to prevent the
adapter plate 110 from rotating while it's positioned in the
adapter interface 120. In some implementations, the locking
interface 119 on the first end 111a of the adapter plate 110 may be
a flat surface. In some implementations, the locking interface 119
may be tapered/ramped (not shown). In this way, the adapter plate
110 may be longitudinally centered within the adapter interface
120.
As shown in FIG. 2B, in some implementations, the slide cover plate
140 of the adapter plate system 100 may be configured to interface
with the first end 111a of the adapter plate 110. In this way, the
slide cover plate 140 may be used to prevent the adapter plate 110
from rotating while it is positioned within the adapter interface
120 of the pistol slide 105. In some implementations, the slide
cover plate 140 may include a lip 142 thereon, or other similar
feature, that interfaces with the first end 111a of the adapter
plate 110. In some implementations, the slide cover plate 140 may
be the same as, or similar to, the slide cover plate of a
Glock.RTM. pistol, which is well known to those of ordinary skill
in the art.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in some implementations, the following
steps may be use to secure an optical sight 107 to the adapter
plate 110.
Initially, as shown in FIG. 1A, the optical sight 107 may be
oriented so that the openings 118 in the adapter plate 110 are
aligned with openings that extend into, or through, the optical
sight 107.
Then, the optical sight 107 is positioned on the mounting surface
116 of the adapter plate 110.
Next, fasteners (e.g., screws) may be used to secure the optical
sight 107 to the mounting surface 116 of the adapter plate 110
(see, e.g., FIG. 1B).
To remove the optical sight 107 from the adapter plate 110, the
above steps are performed in reverse.
As shown in FIGS. 1B-1D, in some implementations, the following
steps may be used to secure the adapter plate 110 to the adapter
interface 120 of the pistol slide 105.
Initially, as shown in FIG. 1B, the adapter plate 110 is positioned
at an offset angle (e.g., 60 degrees) relative to the longitudinal
axis of the pistol slide 105 so that the pivot boss 126 and the
rotation stop 128 are received within the pivot bore 112 and the
guide channel 114, respectively, in the underside thereof. The
degree of offset required to begin installation of the adapter
plate 110 is, at least in part, a function of the guide channel's
114 configuration (e.g., length, position, etc).
Then, as shown in FIG. 1B, the adapter plate 110 is rotated about
the pivot boss 126 until rotation is stopped by the rotation stop
128. The optical sight 107 will now be aligned with the
longitudinal axis of the pistol slide 105 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A).
Next, as shown in FIG. 1D, the slide cover plate 140 is installed
on the slide 105, thereby locking the adapter plate 110 into
position within the adapter interface 120.
To remove the adapter plate 110 from the adapter interface 120, the
above steps are performed in reverse.
In some implementations, the adapter plate 110 may be configured so
that one or more fasteners can be inserted through openings (e.g.,
openings 118) therein, from the underside thereof, and threadedly
secured to corresponding openings located in the bottom side of an
optical sight. In this way, for example, an optical sight such as
an Aimpoint.RTM. Micro may be mounted to an adapter plate 110.
As shown in FIG. 2B, in some implementations, a dovetail 150 may be
positioned between the ejection port 155 and the adapter interface
120 of the pistol slide 105. In some implementations, the dovetail
150 may be configured to receive a rear sight therein (not shown).
In this way, iron sights may be used in conjunction with one or
more implementations of the adapter plate system 100 disclosed
herein.
In some implementations, an optical sight (e.g., optical sight 107)
mounted on an adapter plate 110 of the adapter plate system 100 may
sit low enough within the adapter interface 120 that a user is able
to align the iron sights of a pistol while looking through the
optical sight 107.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another example implementation of an
adapter plate system 400 according to the principles of the present
disclosure. In some implementations, the adapter plate system 400
is similar to the adapter plate system 100 discussed above but the
pivot boss 426 and the rotation stop 428 extend from the underside
of the adapter plate 410; and the pivot bore 412 and the curved
guide channel 414 are located in the bottom surface 424 of the
adapter interface 420. In this way, the adapter interface 420 of
the pistol slide 405 may be configured to rotatably receive the
adapter plate 410 therein.
FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate yet another example implementation of an
adapter plate system 500 according to the principles of the present
disclosure. In some implementations, the adapter plate system 500
is similar to the adapter plate systems 100, 400 discussed above,
in particular the adapter plate system 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and
2A-2B, but further comprises a spring-loaded detent assembly 560
configured to further secure the adapter plate 510 against
unintentional rotation once it has been positioned within the
adapter interface 520 of the pistol slide 505.
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C, in some implementations, the
spring-loaded detent assembly 560 comprises a detent 562, a spring
564, and an assembly retainer 566 (e.g., a set screw).
In some implementations, the assembly retainer 566 may be
configured to retain the spring 564 and detent 562 within a bore
525 extending through the adapter interface 520 of the pistol slide
505 (see, e.g., FIG. 5C). In this way, the spring 564 may be
positioned to bias the detent 562 towards a first end of the bore
525 and thereby cause a portion of the detent 562 to protrude from
the first end of the bore 525 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5B and 5D). In some
implementations, the bore 525 in the bottom surface 524 of the
adapter interface 520 is positioned so that the protruding portion
of the detent 562 can be received within a detent catch 513 located
in the underside of the adapter plate 510 (see, e.g., FIG. 5A). In
this way, the spring-loaded detent assembly 560 may be used to
prevent, or minimize, the rotational and/or longitudinal movement
of the adapter plate 510 once it has been positioned within the
adapter interface 520 of the pistol slide 505.
In some implementations, the detent catch 513 may be a bore in the
underside of the adapter plate 510 configured to receive the
portion of the detent 562 extending from the first end of the bore
525 in the adapter interface 520. In some implementations, the
detent catch 513 in the underside of the adapter plate 510 may be
any shape suitable for removably receiving the protruding portion
of the detent 562 therein.
In some implementations, an adapter plate system may be configured
so that the spring-loaded detent assembly 560 is used to secure the
adapter plate 510 within the adapter interface 520 in-lieu of a
slide cover plate. In such an implementation, there would be no
need to include a locking interface (e.g., locking interface 119)
on the first end of the adapter plate (e.g., adapter plate 110) or
a slot (e.g., slot 122) that extends through the first end wall of
the adapter interface (e.g., adapter interface 120).
In some implementations, an adapter plate system may be configured
so that a spring-loaded detent assembly 560 is used in conjunction
with a slide cover plate to secure the adapter plate 510 in
position within the adapter interface 520.
FIGS. 6A-6D and 7A-7B illustrate still yet another example
implementation of an adapter plate system 600 according to the
principles of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the
adapter plate system 600 is similar to the adapter plate systems
100, 400, 500 discussed above, but the rotation stop 628 has been
integrated with the pivot boss 626. Further, in some
implementations, the first end 611a and/or the second end 611b of
the adapter plate 610 may include an indexing spring 670 configured
to further secure the adapter plate 610 in position within the
adapter interface 620 of the pistol slide 605.
As shown in FIG. 6A, in some implementations, the pivot boss 626
and the rotation stop 628 extending up from the adapter interface
620 are a single unitary piece configured to be received within a
guide feature 630 in the underside of the adapter plate 610. In
this way, the adapter plate 610 can rotate about the pivot boss 626
while the rotation stop 628 acts as an indexing feature configured
to limit the rotation of the 335 adapter plate 610 when it is being
rotated into position within the adapter interface 620 of the
pistol slide 605.
In some implementations, the first end 611a and/or the second end
611b of the adapter plate 610 may include an indexing spring 670
that is nested in a groove 672 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7B).
In some implementations, the indexing spring 670 may be positioned
so that it can press (or bear) against an adjacent end wall (e.g.,
the second end wall 621b) of the adapter interface 620 (see, e.g.,
FIG. 7B). In this way, the indexing spring 670 is able to secure
the adapter plate 610 against unintentional rotation while it's
positioned within the adapter interface 620 (see, e.g., FIG. 6C).
In some implementations, the adjacent end wall (e.g., the second
end wall 621b) of the adapter interface 620 may include a groove
therein that is configured to act as a catch for the indexing
spring 670. In some implementations, the adapter plate 610 may not
include an indexing spring 670 in either the first end 611a or the
second end 611b thereof. Instead, such an implementation may rely
solely on the slide cover plate 640 to secure it in position within
the adapter interface 620.
As shown in FIG. 8A, in some implementations, the underside of the
adapter plate 610 is configured to interface with the pivot boss
626 and the rotation stop 628 of the adapter interface 620. In some
implementations, the guide feature 630 may comprise a semi-circular
pivot bore 612 that has a fan-shaped guide channel 614 extending
therefrom (see, e.g., FIG. 8A). In this way, while the pivot boss
626 and the rotation stop 628 of the adapter interface 620 are
positioned within the semi-circular pivot bore 612 and the
fan-shaped guide channel 614 of the adapter plate 610,
respectively, the adapter plate 610 can be rotated into position
within the adapter interface 620 (see, e.g., FIG. 7B).
As shown in FIG. 8B, in some implementations, the adapter plate 610
may further comprise a rear sight 676. In some implementations, the
rear sight 676 is positioned so that it can be used in conjunction
with a front sight (not shown, but well known to those of ordinary
skill in the art) mounted on the pistol slide 605 to aim the
pistol. In some implementations, the adapter plate 610 may be
configured so that the rear sight 676 and a corresponding front
sight post can be used to aim the pistol even when an optical sight
107 is secured to the mounting surface 616. In some
implementations, the adapter plate 610 may not include a rear sight
676.
In yet another example implementation of an adapter plate system,
the adapter plate system may be similar to the adapter plate
systems 100, 400, 500, 600 discussed above, in particular the
adapter plate system 600 shown in FIGS. 6A-6D and 7A-7B, but a
pivot boss with an integrated rotation stop may extend from the
underside of the adapter plate; and the guide feature may be
located in the bottom surface of the adapter interface. In this
way, the adapter interface of the pistol slide may be configured to
rotatably receive the adapter plate therein.
While a Glock.RTM. model pistol slide is shown in FIGS. 1A-1D,
2A-2B, 4A-4B, 5A-5D, 6A-6D, and 7A-7B, an adapter plate system 100,
400, 500, 600 may be configured to work with other autoloading
pistols currently known or developed in the future (e.g., Smith
& Wesson.RTM. M&P.RTM. model pistols and/or Sig Sauer
P320.RTM. model pistols).
FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate an optical sight mounting system 900
according to the principles of the present disclosure. In some
implementations, the optical sight mounting system 900 comprises an
optical sight 907 having a base 910 configured to be removably
secured to an adapter interface 920 of a pistol slide 905. In this
way, the optical sight 907 can be mounted on a pistol and used to
aim it. In some implementations, the base 910 of the optical sight
907 and the adapter interface 920 of the pistol slide 905 are
similar to the adapter plates 110, 410, 510, 610 and the adapter
interfaces 120, 420, 520, 620, respectively, discussed above, in
particular the adapter plate 610 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B and the
adapter interface 620 shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7B.
As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, in some implementations, the optical sight
mounting system 900 may comprise an optical sight 907 having a base
910 configured to act as an adapter; and a pistol slide 905 having
an adapter interface 920 configured to receive the base 910 of the
optical sight 907. In this way, the optical sight 907 can be
secured to the adapter interface 920 of the pistol slide 905
without the use of a separate (i.e., discrete) adapter plate.
As shown in FIG. 9A, in some implementations, the adapter interface
920 may comprise a bottom surface 924 having a pivot boss 926 and a
rotation stop 928 extending therefrom, the bottom surface 924
extends between a first end wall 921a and a second end wall 921b
(collectively end walls 921). The pivot boss 926 and the rotation
stop 928 are configured (i.e., keyed) to be received within a guide
feature in the underside of the optical sight's base 910. In this
way, the base 910 of the optical sight 907 can rotate about the
pivot boss 926 while the rotation stop 928 acts as an indexing
feature configured to limit the rotation of the base 910 when it is
being rotated into position within the adapter interface 920 of the
pistol slide 905 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9B-9D). In some implementations,
the top side of the first end wall 921a includes a detent 984 (or
divot) configured to interface with a set screw 980 (discussed in
greater detail below).
As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C, in some implementations, the end walls
921a, 921b of the adapter interface 920 are configured to interface
with the curved ends 911a, 911b of the optical sight's base 910. In
some implementations, each end wall 921a, 921b of the adapter
interface 920 may be curved along its length and thereby configured
so that the base 910 of the optical sight 907 can be rotated into
position within the adapter interface 920 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9B-9D).
In some implementations, the first end wall 921a and the second end
wall 921b of the adapter interface 920 each extend from the bottom
surface 924 at an angle, thereby forming a dovetail undercut (i.e.,
the female portion of a curved dovetail joint). The dovetail
undercut formed by each end wall 921a, 921b of the adapter
interface 920 is configured to receive a male portion of the
rounded dovetail joint found on each end 911a, 911b of the optical
sight's base 910 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9B and 9C). In this way, a
secure connection may be achieved when the base 910 of the optical
sight 907 is rotated into position within the adapter interface 920
of the pistol slide 905. Since inertial force resulting from the
reciprocating movement of the slide 905 is transferred through the
rounded dovetail joint formed between the optical sight's base 910
and the adapter interface 920, this design is superior to those
that primarily rely on one or more fasteners (e.g., screw(s)) to
secure an optical sight to a pistol slide.
In some implementations, the optical sight 907 may have an aiming
point illuminated by electricity, tritium, a light emitting
chemical reaction, or a combination thereof. A key feature of the
optical sight mounting system 900 is an optical sight 907 having an
integral base 910 configured to be received by an appropriately
configured adapter interface 920. Therefore, in some
implementations, the optical sight 907 can be similar to an
Aimpoint.RTM. Micro optical sight, a DOCTER.RTM. red dot sight, a
Leupold.RTM. Deltapoint, a Trijicon RMR.RTM., or other optical
sight of similar size that is currently known or developed in the
future, that includes an integral base 910 configured to interface
with the adapter interface 920 of the optical sight mounting system
900.
As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, the base 910 of the optical sight 907 is
configured so that it can be rotated into position within the
adapter interface 920 of the pistol slide 905. In some
implementations, the underside of the optical sight's base 910 is
configured to interface with the pivot boss 926 and the rotation
stop 928 of the adapter interface 920. In some implementations, the
guide feature in the underside of the base 910 may comprise a
semi-circular pivot bore that has a fan-shaped guide channel
extending therefrom (similar to elements 612, 614, 630 shown in
FIG. 8A). In this way, while the pivot boss 926 and the rotation
stop 928 of the adapter interface 920 are positioned within the
semi-circular pivot bore and the fan-shaped guide channel of the
optical sight's base 910, respectively, the optical sight 907 can
be rotated into position within the adapter interface 920 (see,
e.g., FIGS. 9A-9D).
As shown in FIG. 9A, in some implementations, the base 910 of the
optical sight 907 may further comprise a rear sight 976. In some
implementations, the rear sight 976 is positioned so that it can be
used in conjunction with a front sight (not shown, but well known
to those of ordinary skill in the art) mounted on the pistol slide
905 to aim the pistol. In some implementations, the base 910 of the
optical sight 907 may not include a rear sight 976.
As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, in some implementations, the optical sight
base 910 may include a threaded opening 982 that extends
therethrough. Once the optical sight 907 has been rotated into
position within the adapter interface 920, this opening 982 aligns
with the detent 984 (or divot) on the top side of the pistol slide
905. In this way, a set screw 980 can be used to further secure the
optical sight 907 in position within the adapter interface 920.
As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, in some implementations, the following
steps may be used to secure the optical sight 907 to the adapter
interface 920 of the pistol slide 905.
Initially, as shown in FIG. 9A, the optical sight 907 is positioned
at an offset angle (e.g., 60 degrees) relative to the longitudinal
axis of the pistol slide 905 so that the pivot boss 926 and the
rotation stop 928 are received within the pivot bore and the guide
channel, respectively, in the underside of the base 910. The degree
of offset required to begin installation of the adapter plate 910
is, at least in part, a function of the guide channel's 914
configuration (e.g., length, position, etc).
Then, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the optical sight 907 is rotated
about the pivot boss 926 until rotation is stopped by the rotation
stop 928. The optical sight 907 will now be aligned with the
longitudinal axis of the pistol slide 905 (see, e.g., FIG. 9D).
Next, in some implementations, as shown in FIG. 9D, a set screw 980
is used to further secure the base 910 of the optical sight 907 to
the slide 905. In some implementations, the set screw 980 is
threaded into the opening 982 of the base 910 until the tip
projects from the opening 982 into a detent 984 (or divot) found on
the slide 905, thereby securing the optical sight 907 in position
within the adapter interface 920. The tip of the set screw 980 is
nested in the detent 984.
To remove the optical sight 910 from the adapter interface 920, the
above steps are performed in reverse.
While a Glock.RTM. model pistol slide 905 is shown in FIGS. 9A-9D,
an optical sight mounting system 900 may be configured to work with
other autoloading pistols currently known or developed in the
future (e.g., Smith & Wesson.RTM. M&P.RTM. model pistols,
Sig Sauer P320.RTM. model pistols, etc.).
FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate another example implementation of optical
sight mounting system 1000 according to the principles of the
present disclosure. In some implementations, the optical sight
mounting system 1000 is similar to the optical sight mounting
system 900 discussed above, but the adapter interface 1020 has been
incorporated onto an optical sight mount 1005 configured to be
secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface of a firearm
(e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail). In this way, the optical sight 1007
can be positioned on a firearm (e.g., a rifle) and used to aim
it.
In some implementations, the optical sight mounting system 1000
comprises an optical sight 1007 having a base 1010 configured to be
removably secured to an adapter interface 1020 of an optical sight
mount 1005. In this way, the optical sight 1007 can be mounted on a
firearm (e.g., a rifle) and used to aim it. The base 1010 of the
optical sight 1007 is configured so that it can be rotated into
position within the adapter interface 1020 of the optical sight
mount 1005.
As shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, in some implementations, the optical
sight mount 1005 may comprise a base 1006 configured to be secured
to, or removed from, a mounting interface of a firearm (e.g., a
MIL-STD-1913 rail); and an adapter interface 1020 configured to
receive the base 1010 of an optical sight 1007. Except as noted
herein, in some implementations, an optical sight mount 1005 may be
the same as, or similar to, an optical sight mount described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/375,906, filed on Apr. 5, 2019,
entitled "MOUNTS FOR OPTICAL SIGHTING DEVICES", by Trent Zimmer
(hereinafter, "the Zimmer application"), which is also owned by the
applicant of the present application and is hereby expressly
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or
"implementation" or words of similar import means that a particular
described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at
least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase "in
some implementations" or a phrase of similar import in various
places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to
the same embodiment.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set
forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which
these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings.
The described features, structures, or characteristics may be
combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the
above description, numerous specific details are provided for a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled
in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of
the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific
details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In
other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations
may not be shown or described in detail.
While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular
order, this should not be understood as requiring that such
operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results.
* * * * *
References